Chains of Office display
A Chain of Office symbolizes the mayor's service to the municipality. The chain also symbolizes the strength and diversity of Ottawa communities. The idea comes from the medieval tradition of livery collars where colourful fabric collars, unique to a powerful individual, were worn by their servants for identification. British municipalities began to copy this behaviour in the 1500s. Many Canadian municipalities adopted the practice.
With amalgamation in 2000, a number of Chains of Office used by former municipalities were retired and are now on display.
Location and Hours:
Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
613-580-2857 (TTY: 613-580-2401)
Open daily 9 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays.
(Hours may vary for special events.)
Free admission. Wheelchair accessible.
Annex Gallery - photo display
The Ottawa Civic Hospital: Celebrating 100 Years
In celebration of its centennial anniversary, the City of Ottawa Archives proudly presents a curated collection of photographs. This exhibit showcases the rich history of the Ottawa Civic Hospital, from its construction and grand opening to the dedicated personnel and daily operations. Highlights include the vibrant life and camaraderie within the hospital and the School of Nursing, capturing the essence of this esteemed institution over the past century.
November 2024 to Spring 2025
Nurses practicing in demonstration room at Civic Hospital, 1926
City of Ottawa Archives | CA002465
Location and hours:
110 Laurier Avenue West - Heritage Building, First Floor
Information: 613-580-2857 TTY: 613-580-2401
NOTE: To access this gallery, go into the main building from the Lisgar Street entrance, take the elevator beside the cafeteria to the second floor and cross the link bridge to enter the Heritage Building. Take the elevator located between the washrooms to go down to the first floor.
Open daily 9 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays.
(Hours may vary for special events.)
Free admission. Wheelchair accessible.
Gifts to the Mayors of Ottawa
The Gifts to the Mayors of Ottawa collection represents symbols of friendship that the City of Ottawa shares with individuals and countries all over the world. The City has a commitment towards the long-term care of this special collection.
The giving of gifts is a ritual that dates to the ancient times when gifts were given as a gesture of goodwill between peoples of different cultures and clans. In the modern world, this important ritual is a formal diplomatic activity between visiting dignitaries.
The City of Ottawa Archives is focused on acquiring, preserving and making accessible Ottawa’s documentary heritage for current residents and for future generations. Since 1977, the Archives has been the official custodian of the gifts to the Mayors of Ottawa. Each gift is catalogued into the Archives’ database, researched and photographed. The gifts that are not currently on display are stored in one of four environmentally controlled vaults.
Location and Hours :
110 Laurier Avenue West - Heritage Building, Second Floor
Information: 613-580-2857 TTY: 613-580-2401
NOTE: To access this gallery, go into the main building from the Lisgar Street entrance, take the elevator beside the cafeteria to the second floor and cross the link bridge to enter the Heritage Building.
Open daily 9 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays.
(Hours may vary for special events.)
Free admission. Wheelchair accessible.
Rideau Archives Exhibit: Rick St. John: carver and community builder
City of Ottawa Archives' Rideau Archives and Friends of the Rideau Archives invite you to view a new exhibit: Rick St. John: carver and community builder.
Presented by the volunteers of Rideau Archives, Rick St. John: carver and community builder features the life, work, and passions of Kars resident Rick St. John. Throughout his life, Rick has excelled in the fields of carving, breeding champion beagles, writing for media, fishing and hunting, and community building. His talents have been recognized, encouraged, and awarded. In all these pursuits he has demonstrated his generous and limitless capacity to develop and share excellence.
6581 Fourth Line Road, North Gower
Open Tuesdays
June 6, 2024 to April 7, 2025
The Canadian Tribute to Human Rights
The Canadian Tribute to Human Rights monument is dedicated to the struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms. The Tribute is located in Nelson Mandela Square on the grounds of Ottawa City Hall, at the intersection of Elgin Street and Lisgar Street.
Location and Hours
Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
Nelson Mandela Square - Ottawa City Hall grounds (intersection of Elgin Street and Lisgar Street)
613-580-2857 (TTY: 613-580-2401)
Open daily. The monument can be visited 24 hours per day.
Free admission. Wheelchair accessible.